Ultimate Hawai’i Vacation Guide: Activities, Eats, Hotels on Oʻahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauaʻi & Lānaʻi
Curated By
Nancy McLaughlin
Curator’s statement
I fell in love with Hawaiʻi the first time I visited. Each island has its own personality, from Oʻahu’s vibrant energy to Kauaʻi’s wild beauty. Mornings might start with a paddleboard on calm waters, afternoons with a hike to a hidden waterfall, and evenings with a sunset cruise or night swim with manta rays. And the food, fresh, local, and full of flavor, is an experience of its own. From poke bowls and plate lunches to world-class tasting menus, every meal connects you to the islands. Hawaiʻi is more than a beach escape—it’s where nature, culture, and adventure come together in the best possible way. I can VIP your stay when I book your hotels through my preferred partners, with exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and possible room upgrades, depending on the property and availability.
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Where to stay in Hawai’i
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Things to do in Hawai’i
Oʻahu
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay: Spot colorful tropical fish in one of Hawai’i’s most famous marine sanctuaries.
Hike Diamond Head: Climb to the summit for sweeping views of Honolulu and the Pacific.
Visit the North Shore: Watch world-class surfers tackle massive winter waves and grab a local food truck lunch.
Tour Pearl Harbor: Learn about a pivotal moment in U.S. history at this powerful memorial site.
Explore Waikīkī: Stroll the lively beachfront lined with shops, dining, and iconic views.
Polynesian Cultural Center: Experience the traditions, dance, and flavors of Polynesia in an engaging setting.
Maui
Drive the Road to Hāna: A scenic route through lush rainforests and waterfalls.
Snorkel Molokini Crater: Swim in crystal-clear waters inside this crescent-shaped volcanic crater.
Watch sunrise at Haleakalā: Experience sunrise from above the clouds atop Maui’s dormant volcano.
Visit Lahaina Town: Explore historic streets, art galleries, and oceanfront restaurants.
Relax on Wailea and Kāʻanapali beaches: Enjoy soft sands, calm waters, and nearby luxury resorts.
Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island)
Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Walk through lava tubes and witness volcanic landscapes.
Sunrise canoe paddle at Mauna Lani or Four Seasons: A peaceful cultural experience on the open water.
Night snorkel or dive with manta rays: A once-in-a-lifetime adventure under the stars.
Visit Green Sand Beach: One of the world’s few beaches with olive-colored sand.
Tour a Kona coffee farm: Learn about and taste Hawai’i’s famous locally grown coffee.
Stargaze at Mauna Kea: See the night sky from one of the world’s top astronomical sites.
Kauaʻi
Explore the Nā Pali Coast: Take a boat, helicopter, or hike to see Kauaʻi’s dramatic cliffs.
Hike Waimea Canyon: The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” with incredible views.
Visit Hanalei Bay: Ideal for swimming, surfing, and laid-back beach town charm.
Kayak the Wailua River: Paddle through rainforest to hidden waterfalls.
Relax at Poʻipū Beach: Family-friendly beach perfect for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.
Lānaʻi
Relax at Hulopoʻe Bay: Swim, snorkel, or explore tide pools at this pristine beach near the Four Seasons Resort.
Explore Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo): Striking red-rock landscapes and panoramic views.
Wander LānaʻI City and Dole Park: Browse local shops and enjoy small-town charm.
Play golf at Manele Golf Course: One of Hawaiʻi’s most scHawaiʻI’stal courses.
Take a sunset cruise or snorkel tour: Spot dolphins and enjoy the views from the water.
Go horseback or UTV riding at Sensei Lānaʻi: Explore the island’s interior in a fun, active way.
Enjoy spa treatments at Sensei Lānaʻi or Four Seasons: World-class wellness and relaxation.
Places to eat & drink in Hawai’i
Canoe House Restaurant
O’ahu
Marukame Udon: Affordable, freshly-made udon noodles that locals and visitors line up for.
Roy’s Hawaii Kai: Upscale Hawaiian fusion with a focus on fresh seafood and island flavors.
Michel’s at the Colony Surf: Romantic beachfront dining with French-inspired cuisine and sunset views.
Mina’s Fish House (inside Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina): Fish-forward menu and amazing setting.
The Pig and the Lady: Creative Vietnamese-inspired dishes in a fun, downtown Honolulu setting.
Maui
Mama’s Fish House: Beloved for its fresh catch, ocean views, and warm island hospitality.
Merriman’s Kapalua: Farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine in a stunning oceanfront setting.
Ka’ana Kitchen (inside the Andaz Maui): Modern island flavors with locally sourced ingredients.
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop: Casual comfort food and famous pies.
Tin Roof: Local favorite by Chef Sheldon Simeon, serving elevated Hawaiian plate lunches.
Big Island
Merriman’s Waimea: A pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine featuring local ingredients.
Brown’s Beach House (inside Fairmont Orchid): Elegant beachfront dining with island-inspired dishes.
Ulu Ocean Grill (inside Four Seasons Hualālai): Refined coastal cuisine with farm-to-table flair.
CanoeHouse (inside Mauna Lani Resort): Japanese-inspired dining with unforgettable sunsets.
Island Lava Java: Relaxed café known for ocean views and fresh, locally sourced meals.
Moon and Turtle: Intimate Hilo spot serving inventive seafood-driven small plates.
Kaua’i
Bar Acuda: Farm-to-table tapas in charming Hanalei.
The Beach House: Oceanfront dining with fresh seafood and sunset views.
JO2 Natural Cuisine: Inventive dishes blending Hawaiian, Asian, and French influences.
Kōloa Fish Market: Local gem for poke bowls and plate lunches.
Tidepools (inside Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi): Romantic setting over a koi pond with Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.
Lānaʻi
Lānaʻi City Grille: Local favorite inside Hotel Lānaʻi.
Nobu Lānaʻi (inside Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi): High-end Japanese fusion cuisine.
VIEWS at Manele Golf Course: Lunch and cocktails with panoramic views.
Need to know
Reach out to Nancy to plan your Hawaiʻi getaway with ease. She’ll tailor your itinerary to your travel style, recommend the right island—or the perfect combination—and coordinate resort stays, inter-island flights, and trusted local guides.
She can also VIP your stay when booking resorts through her preferred partners, with exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and possible room upgrades, depending on the property and availability.
Travel Advisor
Nancy McLaughlin
Get in touch with Nancy
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Hawai’i page.